Eleanor Finch
If you're tired of receiving endless political calls and texts, you're not alone. Millions of political robocalls and robotexts are sent each year, especially during election season. While it's challenging to prevent these communications entirely, there are ways to reduce their frequency. One option is to register your number on the Do Not Call list, which can help prevent unwanted sales calls, but political calls are exempt from this list. To stop receiving political texts, simply reply STOP or Unsubscribe to opt out. You can also block numbers on your phone, and report unsolicited texts by forwarding them to 7726 or SPAM.
How to block political calls
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| National Do Not Call Registry | An opt-in list created and run by the federal government. Registered telemarketers are legally not allowed to contact anyone on this list for sales purposes. |
| Exception | Political calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements. |
| Robocalls and robotexts | People have to give their consent before they’re contacted on a cell phone, even when the nature of the call is political. |
| Blocking robocalls and robotexts | People can text "STOP" or "Unsubscribe" to opt-out of receiving such messages. |
| Blocking spam calls | People can use call-blocking services like Robokiller or install an app provided by their phone company. |
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What You'll Learn
Block individual numbers
If you're receiving political calls on your mobile phone, you can block individual numbers by opening your phone app and tapping 'More' on the call history. Then, tap the call from the number you want to block and tap 'Block' or 'Report Spam'. On some Android phones, you can do this by opening your Phone app, tapping 'Call History', tapping the call from the number you want to block, and then tapping 'Block / Report Spam'. You can also download apps that help block spam calls. For example, the Phone by Google app helps customers avoid unwanted calls from spammers, telemarketers, and scammers. Google Voice users can also block unwanted spam calls. Samsung offers a similar call-blocking solution called Smart Call.
If you're receiving political calls on your landline, you can block individual numbers with the *60 feature, also known as Call Screening or Call Block. This feature allows you to block calls from up to 10 phone numbers within your local calling area for a low monthly rate. To turn it on, press *60 and then press 3 when prompted. To add a number to the block list, press #, dial the 10-digit number, and press # to confirm. Repeat this process for each number you want to add. Note that long-distance numbers and numbers outside your calling area cannot be screened, and some mobile numbers cannot be blocked.
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Use Do Not Call registry
While political calls and texts are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, the registry can still be a useful tool to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. The National Do Not Call Registry is an opt-in list created and run by the federal government. It is designed to stop unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies that follow the law. Registered telemarketers are legally not allowed to contact anyone on this list for sales purposes and can face heavy fines for ignoring it.
To register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, go to DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You must call from the phone number you wish to register. You can also register at donotcall.gov. If you register your number at DoNotCall.gov, you’ll get an email with a link you have to click on within 72 hours to complete your registration. Your phone number should show up on the Registry the next day, but it can take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop.
It's important to note that the National Do Not Call Registry does not block calls or texts. Instead, it serves as a list that tells registered telemarketers what numbers not to call. Therefore, it won't stop calls from scammers or companies that don't follow the law. Additionally, political campaigns are not required to follow this list, but it may help to reduce related calls.
If you continue to receive unwanted political calls or texts, you can take additional steps. For example, you can use call-blocking and call-labelling services or apps, or adjust your phone settings to filter unknown numbers and block spam. If you receive a political robocall or text that doesn't comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints.
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Opt-out via STOP
If you're tired of receiving political calls and texts, you can opt out by texting "STOP" to the number that contacted you. This is because, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), campaigns must honour this request.
While political campaigns are exempt from the National Do Not Call Registry requirements, they are not allowed to contact you with robocalls or robotexts. Robocalls and robotexts are automated and sent using a device called an autodialer. Because of this, people must give their consent to be contacted on their cellphones or other mobile devices, even if the nature of the call is political.
If you receive a political robocall or text that does not comply with the FCC's rules, you can file an informal complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. You can also report the sender by forwarding the texts to 7726 or "SPAM".
It's important to note that you may have to opt out of the same campaign multiple times, as your phone number may be on the phone lists of several staffers. Additionally, if you've unsubscribed from a candidate's messages but continue to receive them, reach out to their campaign and request to be removed from their list.
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Report spam via 7726
While there is no easy way to prevent political calls and texts, you can opt-out by texting "STOP". The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) states that campaigns must honour this request. You can also report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 or "SPAM".
To report a spam text to 7726, you can use either the forward method or the copy/paste method. Forwarding the message is the fastest and easiest way. Open the spam message and long-press it. Then, select the "Forward" option. Your message will appear as a new text. Type 7726 in the contact box and click "Send". After sending the spam text, you may get a response from 7726 asking for the number that sent the unwanted text. Simply respond with the number that sent you the spam text.
If you are using an Android phone, the process varies slightly by hardware and SMS app. Long-press the spam text. Select the "Forward" option. Your message will appear as a new text. Type 7726 in the contact box and click "Send". You will then get a response asking for the number that sent the unwanted text. Respond with the number that sent you the spam text.
If you are unable to forward the message to 7726, you can take a screenshot or screen recording of the message and send it to report@phishing.gov.uk. You can also report spam texts and nuisance calls online to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO has the power to fine companies that break the rules on unsolicited texts and phone calls.
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Use call-blocking apps
Call-blocking apps are a great way to reduce the number of unwanted political calls you receive. These apps use a combination of call data, user reports, and insights from sources like the FTC to predict and block illegal or scam calls. Some apps are free, while others charge a fee.
Before downloading a third-party app, it's worth checking if your phone company or wireless device manufacturer offers built-in call-blocking features. For example, Apple iPhones have a "Silence Unknown Callers" feature, while Google Pixel phones have "Call Screen". Samsung also offers a call-blocking solution called Smart Call.
If your phone provider doesn't offer a built-in solution, there are several third-party apps available. Here are some options to consider:
- Robokiller: This app helps to block spam and scam calls and texts. It's available for a few dollars a month.
- NoMoRobo: This app offers tools and services for VoIP landlines and mobile phones.
- Hiya: This app includes caller ID and blocking features to stop mobile spam.
- YouMail: This app provides protection against spam calls, with solutions for businesses.
- AT&T ActiveArmor: This mobile security app helps stop spam and scams.
- Google Project Fi: Google offers call-blocking options for its wireless service.
- T-Mobile ScamShield: This app blocks scam calls and robocalls.
- U.S. Cellular CallGuardian: This app provides advanced filtering and blocking protection against spam, unwanted, and illegal calls.
Remember to always review the app's privacy policy to understand how it handles your information and whether it accesses your contacts list.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no foolproof method to prevent political calls and texts, there are a few things you can do to reduce the number you receive:
- Text "STOP" to any political text messages you receive.
- Block the number on your phone.
- Set your smartphone to filter unknown numbers.
- Register your number on the "Do Not Call" list. While political campaigns are exempt from this list, it may help to reduce the number of related calls you receive.
Your phone number is often included in your voter file, which is a matter of public record.
Yes, according to the FCC, robocalls and robotexts are not allowed, even for political purposes. This means that campaigns must manually send or dial their communications.
